[GainesBowBum]

But I have to disagree here...

Originally Posted by mattnmtns

... I also agree with the others that a 1 or 2 might be limiting even as a "specialty" brookie rod...

I've got a 8'3'' 1 weight that is a pleasure to cast... And even more fun to fight fish on. I've fished it in the small mountain streams (although long for my preference), I've fished it on the ponds (ALL kinds of fun), tailwaters with small flies and 18in fish (landed in short time too), and on stocker water. Granted you aren't going to be laying out 50ft casts with buggers and lead... That's what the 5 and 6 weights are for... But light rods are functional and I don't consider them specialty.

For the type of stream you are talking about, personally I would go with a 6ft -7ft 3 weight. I use a 6'3'' SLT paired with a Ross Rythym 0 or a Evo 1 for my small stream fishing. There are times when I wish the rod was a hair longer, but then there are times when anything longer would just get hung up in the rhoddy...

I agree that a more relaxed action would most likely be better suited to small streams... Or that may just be my personal preference coming out.

I do however suggest overlining the rod by 1 line weight. It will require less line out of the tip to load the rod. Also, I'm partial to DT lines... When one end is finished, just flip the line around and you are good for another few seasons.

For reels, I like Ross... But have heard good things about Orvis BBS. But I like the disc drag on Ross and they are superlight. Plus the Rythym and Evolution were discontinued and there are some deep discounts on what is left out there.

Hope it helps some... Like you can see, everyone has a different opinion... Try and get out and cast some different rod lengths, weights, and actions... See what fits your style.

Shameless advertisement, but if you decide you want a Sage SLT 8 ft 4 weight, I've got one for sale...

[Silvercreek]

Originally Posted by robodork

After getting a suggestion in another post, I'm looking for more opinions. If you could pick one set up for fly fishing small mountain streams, what would it be?

PM sent

[Upstream]

Originally Posted by robodork

I'm talking about a single purpose rod for catching small brook trout on very small water.

OK, I'm going to take this as the focus of the question, and assume that you're NOT looking for recommendations about an all-around small stream rod, but a rod for the smallest, tightest streams. My two main rods for this are both fiberglass (cane's OK, but I'm cheap). One is a Fenwick 5'3" 5 wt. No, that's not too heavy, it rolls under the rhododendrons like a champ, and the rod's material and length makes a 4" brookie feel like an actual fish. That rod is no longer in production, but there have been a few versions over the years, and this is the newer one; i.e. about 10 years old. The other rod is a 7' 3 wt. built on a Lamiglass blank. Although a little long to cast under a lot of cover ("very small water," right?) it's a great bow-and-arrow caster. That blank is still in production, although they don't sell them as finished rods anymore. And if it came to it, a 7' 3 wt. works OK as an all-around small stream rod.

Good luck.

Bob

[Riparian]

Originally Posted by robodork

. I'm very interested in lightweight bamboo, but only if it doesn't destroy my wallet. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I am a complete n00b Thanks in advance.

http://www.southeastflyfishingforum....-2-t32974.html

That would be it. I got to cast it the other day. If you want it you better grab it before I break down.

[AshevilleTroutBum]

Originally Posted by robodork

If you could pick one set up for fly fishing small mountain streams, what would it be? I'm talking about a single purpose rod for catching small brook trout on very small water.

I'm not a veteran (at fly fishing, at least), but after much research into this very question, I ended up with 7'6" 4wt gear. As far as line, I'm using Rio Selective Trout, DT.

I do plan to get an 8'6" 5 wt setup in the near future, but for some of the smaller bluelines that would be too much.

[Silvercreek]

Speaking of the right equipment for tight places, there is a podcast by Joe Humphreys that talks about "brush fishing" which he defines as fishing in places where you cannot make a standard cast. Surprisingly, he doesn't a really short rod and he uses heavier lines like 5 wt and 6 wt because they bow and arrow cast better.

His method of doing a B&A cast was to me.

http://www.askaboutflyfishing.com/sp...-humphreys.cfm

[Bill]

I decided on a 7ft 4wt bamboo with Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock. I had it built on a Garrison taper. I do not think a stiff graphite rod is much fun to cast at short distances- but to each his own. Fiberglass may be the most economical option. It would probably load with just a little line out. My rod is short enough to make casts under tight canopies. It is heavy enough to toss weighted flies into plunge pools under waterfalls. It will shoot a bow and arrow cast through the rhodo into tiny runs. It is a great length and weight. I've even handled fish up to about 16 inches on it on occasion.

[madtom]

For small stream fishing there is nothing like a cane rod, that is really where they shine IMO. I have yet to find a graphite that can load up close like a well made cane rod on a small stream taper. There are plenty of cane rods out there in the 500 range and most makers will adhere to some sort of warranty. Scott G rods in 3 wts. are about as close as one can get in graphite, and in fiiberglass I would look at Steffen whom makes 2-4 wts. in a variety of lengths in the 300 range. That being said, a 7 ft. 4 wt. cane rod with fine tips for up close fishing is heaven on small streams. There are a ton of makers and tapers to chose from, that's where the trouble begins. Buy one after doing some research, and if you decide to sell it down the road you will most likely break even or make money unlike graphite where they sell for half of their retail on the secondary market.

Madtom

[pookiepoo]

I use a St. Croix Legend Ultra 7 1/2 foot 2 weight with a Ross evolution 0 reel. It works great and is actually pretty versatile, for example I've used it on larger rivers. It may be limited as far as distance and power is concerned, but makes up for it in my opinion. It can handle larger fish, if you are careful, the bow in my avatar was actually caught on that setup. Not to mention, it is extremely fun! (even on chubs)
Just an idea....
Steve